Michael Baucum

Tell us a little bit about yourself…
I am sixty-four years old and an Attorney practicing transactional real estate. My wife, Laura, and I have two daughters.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?
We were having dinner with yogi Charlie Hanor in February 2009. I told him I had been in a winter funk and needed a change.
He said, I have something for you–Bigram Yoga. I did my first class the next afternoon and I have kept coming back.

How often do you practice?
I try for 3 times a week, sometimes 4

What was your exercise background before Bikram?
I Have always done some sort of exercise. I started as a runner, strength trainer and regular at the old Trim & Swim, but the last few years before Bikram had been primarily working out on the treadmill.

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class?
I was pudgy, inflexibility, had aches across shoulders, sore legs–normal afflictions for the ex-runner and the desk job.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?
I feel much better and I have dropped many pounds and inches. I have aches in different places now as I progress in my practice but that is a good by-product.

How has this practice changed your health and life?
I have dropped a suit size and stand taller, straighter. I think I have taken years off my calendar age. If yoga would only grow hair!

Any emotional or other benefits?
The break from the world for each class is great. It took a while to control my mind to where I really am in the moment, but that is good now that I can be there.

What is your favorite part of Bikram?
Other than physical changes I have made and the community I have met, my favorite thing is to walk out the front door of the studio into a cool sunny day. The exposure to all the different people is good. So many individual stories, yet just one story in common.